About

At 8000’ elevation, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a place unlike any other. Compared to the rest of the Grand Canyon, and surrounding desert ecosystem, the North Rim is home to a more alpine environment, with meadows, diverse forests, and cooler temperatures compared to the South Rim. 

Engulfed in beautiful scenery, participants will take part in service projects along the Arizona Trail, a trail that bisects the state north and south and is over 800 miles long. The projects will mainly focus on repairing the trail tread from water erosion, which includes deberming, cleaning and repairing drainages, clearing the vegetation corridor, grubbing out (uprooting) some brush, cacti, and grasses, and potentially moving and relocating various-sized rocks. Occasionally, we will use loppers, small saws to trim vegetation, and Pulaskis and Pick Mattocks for grubbing. We will use shovels, pick mattocks, McLeods, Pulaskis, and Rogue Hoes for tread construction. This will be legit work, but will provide a much needed service to the countless citizens who come to the outdoors for solace, adventure, and challenge.

While improving the trail is a priority, so is enjoying the company of fellow veterans and taking in the sites of the North Rim. When the day’s work is done the group will enjoy camaraderie around the campfire where meals will be shared and conversations will take flight. Once the sun goes down, participants will be treated to the one-of-a-kind dark sky that the desert Southwest is known for. Maybe brush up on your astronomy as part of your training for this Expedition?

To celebrate a job well done, the last day will include a hike into the Canyon. Distance and duration are TBD, but what better way to wrap up the trip than to immerse yourself in one of Earth’s natural wonders?

Apply for this Expedition for a balanced experience that bridges service, iconic scenery, camaraderie, and physical challenge.